At first, On-gaku: Our Sound seemed to be a classic coming-of-age story centered around a battle of the bands. The delinquent kids find a new outlet through music, and thus, change as a result of the art. But the indie animated drama proves to be different, because the band Kobujutsu don’t transform into rock stars over a quick montage and a dash of inspiration. They don’t even look the part, with the scribbled art design. Instead, these kids make sounds through two bass guitars, a snare drum, and a tom drum, purely using rhythm to make music. And as these kids dabble with their instruments, On-gaku: Our Sound marvelously unfolds to a funny but sincere slice-of-life tale that celebrates their passion.
""On-Gaku: Our Sound," an oddball music comedy directed by Kenji Iwaisawa, upends all that is typical of Japanese animation."
— Maggie Lee
A bored trio of high school delinquents start a rock 'n' roll band together. They have no skill, money, or even a full set of drums, but are determined to jam out and impress their only friend.
Despite no skill, experience, or even a full set of drums, high school delinquents Kenji, Ota and Asakura form a rock band, unexpectedly becoming an act in their town’s upcoming rock festival.
You know how the battle of the bands usually has two bands that are mortal enemies, winning for a top prize? It’s so cool that in this film, it’s not a battle, it’s just a rock festival, and both the Kobujutsu and Kobijitsu bands find themselves inspired by each other despite having similar band names.
Aww, this was especially nostalgic for me as someone who had a band in high school, but didn’t really make any music. Rock on, my dudes!
